Collapsible Containers

ABSTRACT

Collapsible containers dimensioned to integrate into motor carrier operations are provided. The container may include a base, a pair of first and second opposing walls, each first and second opposing wall including a top edge, two side edges and a bottom edge. The container further includes a top panel removably attached to the top edge of the pairs of first and second opposing walls and a plurality of engaging devices positioned along the perimeter of the top panel and base and along the two side edges and top and bottom edges of the pairs of first and second opposing walls. The plurality of engaging devices are configured to removably connect the pair of first opposing walls to the pair of second opposing walls and to removably connect the pairs of first and second opposing walls to the top panel and base.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This present application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/136,401 filed Jun. 10, 2008. Theaforementioned application is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to shipping and storagecontainers and methods, and in particular, embodiments relate tocollapsible containers that may be integrated into a motor carrier'scurrent operations without any additional equipment or disruption ofservice.

BACKGROUND

Containers are utilized by industry and consumers to ship freight fromone location to another. Containers are also commonly used to storeitems for a length of time. Conventional containers, although effectivewhen full of freight, become a source of lost revenue for a motorcarrier when the container is empty because the space taken up by theempty container could be used by a full container or other freight.Similarly, in the case of residential or commercial use, an emptycontainer undesirably takes up a great deal of space in a residential orcommercial user's basement, attic, storage space, warehouse or othersimilar location. A user may desire to keep an empty container in his orher possession for future use but for the undesirable space the emptycontainer requires.

Conventional containers are also difficult for a commercial orresidential user to load and unload. The top-loading of a shippingcontainer can be a harrowing experience, especially when the item to beshipped or stored is being loaded into a tall container. For example,the article may be accidentally dropped while it is being loaded intothe container from the top. Additionally, articles positioned at thebottom of a full top-loaded container may be difficult, if notimpossible, to locate or remove if the need arises.

Additionally, conventional containers are not easily integrated into amotor carrier's current less than load (“LTL”) operations. LTL freight,unlike full truckload freight, is collected from various shippers andconsolidated onto a trailer. Non-uniformity of conventional containerdimensions create inefficiencies in LTL linehaul operations by causinglarge gaps of dead space in between freight and containers. Similarly,conventional shipping containers are not dimensioned to fit in trailerswith overhead, roll-up doors.

Accordingly, a shipping and storing container that takes up minimumspace when empty, is easily loaded and unloaded, and integrates into amotor carrier's operations is desired.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a collapsible container is provided. Thecollapsible container includes a base, a pair of first opposing walls,each first opposing wall comprising a top edge, two side edges and abottom edge, a pair of second opposing walls, each second opposing wallcomprising a top edge, two side edges and a bottom edge, a top panelremovably attached to the top edge of the pairs of first and secondopposing walls and a plurality of engaging devices positioned along theperimeter of the base and the top panel and along the two side edges andtop and bottom edges of the pairs of first and second opposing walls.The plurality of engaging devices are configured to removably connectthe pair of first opposing walls to the pair of second opposing wallsand to removably connect the pairs of first and second opposing walls tothe base and top panel.

According to another embodiment, a collapsible container is provided.The collapsible container includes a pair of first opposing walls, eachfirst opposing wall including a top edge comprising a plurality of topmale fastening components and a bottom edge comprising a plurality ofbottom male fastening components, and two side edges including aplurality of side male fastening components. The collapsible containeralso includes a pair of second opposing walls, each second opposing wallincluding a top edge comprising a plurality of top male fasteningcomponents, a bottom edge comprising a plurality of bottom malefastening components, and two side edges comprising a plurality of sidefemale fastening components configured to accept the plurality of sidemale fastening components. A base including a plurality of base femalefastening components along a perimeter of the base, the plurality ofbase female fastening components configured to accept the plurality ofbottom male fastening components of the pairs of first and secondopposing walls. A top panel including a plurality of top panel femalefastening components along a perimeter of the top panel, the pluralityof top panel female fastening components configured to accept theplurality of top male fastening components of the pairs of first andsecond opposing walls.

According to yet another embodiment, a collapsible container includes apair of first opposing walls, each first opposing wall including aplurality of engaging hooks positioned outwardly along two opposingedges, a plurality of first engaging tabs positioned outwardly along theedges adjacent to the two opposing edges and an exterior face comprisinga graphic. The collapsible container also includes a pair of secondopposing walls, each second opposing wall including a plurality of slotspositioned along two opposing edges configured to accept the pluralityof engaging hooks of the pair of first opposing walls, a plurality ofsecond engaging tabs positioned outwardly along the edges adjacent tothe two opposing edges, and an exterior face comprising a graphic. Thecollapsible container also includes a base comprising a plurality ofbase slots that are sized and positioned to accept the first and secondengaging tabs of the respective pairs of first and second opposing wallsto form a receptacle and a top panel comprising a plurality of top slotsthat are sized and positioned to accept the first and second engagingtabs of the respective pairs of first and second opposing walls to forma receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description will be more fully understood in viewof the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible container with one sideremoved according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a collapsible container according to oneor more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a collapsible container with one sideremoved according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a collapsible container with one sideremoved according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first opposing wall being insertedinto a base of a collapsible container according to one or moreembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a front view of a first and second opposing wall of acollapsible container according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6B is a top view of a base and a bottom view of a top panel of acollapsible container according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7A is a front view of a first and second opposing wall of acollapsible container according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7B is a top view of a base of a collapsible container according toone or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7C is a bottom view of a top panel of a collapsible containeraccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7D is a side view of a top panel of a collapsible containeraccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an access point on a side wall of acollapsible container according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a first opposing wall being insertedinto a base of a collapsible container according to one or moreembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a second opposing wall being insertedinto a base of a collapsible container according to one or moreembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9C is a close up perspective view of a collapsible containeraccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9D is a front view of a collapsible container covered with a tarpaccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a collapsible container according to oneor more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a collapsible container with one sideremoved according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature andare not intended to be limiting of the invention defined by the claims.Moreover, individual features of the drawings and the invention will bemore fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a collapsible storage and shipping container isprovided. According to the embodiment, the container may be used forboth commercial and residential shipping and storing applications. Thecontainer, which may be made of a wood, composite and/or plasticmaterial such as natural HDPE, for example, is designed and dimensionedto allow a motor carrier to integrate pickup and delivery of thecontainer into the motor carrier's current operations without anyadditional equipment or disruption of service. One exemplary embodimentof such operations is less than load (LTL) operations. For example,according to some embodiments, the container may be loaded and unloadedat a dock or with a liftgate on the trailer so the user or carrier isnot required to provide equipment such as a forklift, pallet-jack orflatbed trailer. As described herein below, embodiments are dimensionedsuch that they are easily integrated current LTL operations.Dimensioning of the containers ensures that space is not wasted withinthe trailer by minimizing gaps caused by oddly-dimensioned freight andcontainers. According to some embodiments, the container will fit in alllinehaul trailers, including, as an example and not a limitation,curtain side linehaul trailers, trailers with overhead roll-up doors andother types of linehaul trailers. Embodiments are also dimensioned toallow the shipping and storage of oversized items, such as couches,other large furniture, machines or equipment. The container may becustom-sized to suit the user's shipping and storage needs.

The container is fully collapsible to provide efficient storage and/ortransport of the container when the container is empty, as well asprovide increased loading and unloading flexibility for the user.According to some embodiments, engaging tabs and hooks are configured tobe inserted into mating slots for easy assembly and collapsibility ofthe container. The container of this embodiment may be assembled anddisassembled without the use of, or need for, tools. Because thecontainer is collapsible, it may be collapsed during transport when thecontainer is empty, thereby decreasing the required volume of thecontainer within the linehaul trailer. This significantly increases theload capacity of the trailer, which frees up the motor carrier to loadthe trailer with more freight. Likewise, the user may collapse thecontainer when he or she is not presently using the container, therebytaking up less space within the storage area. The collapsibility alsoallows for increased loading and unloading flexibility. As an example,the freight to be loaded into the container for shipping and/or storagemay be placed on the base of the container before the attachment of thesides and top panel. A user may choose to remove just the top panel ofthe container when unloading an item from the container, or he or shemay additionally remove one or more sides to unload items that aredifficult to access from the container.

Embodiments may also comprise additional features. Freight securingmechanisms may be provided on the interior surface of the base accordingto some embodiments. The freight securing mechanisms allow freight to betied down or secured to the base of the container, thus preventingdamage to the freight during transport. Other embodiments may alsoinclude a tarp that covers the container for all-weather protection whenthe container is subject to the elements. Because conventionalcontainers may be unsightly, residential and commercial users may bereluctant to store items in a container in the exterior of their home orplace of business where the container may be seen from the road,sidewalk or other public vantage point. However, exterior storage may bedesirable where the user does not have adequate interior storage space,does not wish the store the item indoors, or for other reasons.Therefore, according to some embodiments, the exterior of the containermay comprise an aesthetically pleasing design. As an example and not alimitation, the design may include a playhouse, club house, fence,landscape scene, or any other pleasing design to disguise the container.In a further embodiment, one or more of the sidewalls may comprise awindow. Exemplary windows could be comprised of glass, plastic or othertransparent/semi-transparent materials. In one embodiment, the window isconfigured to allow a user to visually inspect one or more contents inthe collapsible container.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, a collapsibleshipping and storage container 10 is provided. The embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is of a square geometry (e.g., 48″×48″×48″among others). As described and illustrated herein, other geometries andsizes that integrate into motor carrier operations are also provided.The container comprises a base 16, a pair of first opposing walls 12, apair of second opposing walls 14 and a top panel 18 that are configuredto easily attach to one another to form the collapsible container 10without the use of tools. The base 16, top panel 18 and the opposingwalls 12, 14 comprise engaging devices that are configured to interlockthe base 16 and the opposing walls 12, 14 to each other.

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the engaging devicescomprise a plurality of male fastening components (e.g., 20, 24 and 26)and a plurality of female fastening components (e.g., 21, 25 and 27).More particularly, the male fastening components may include a pluralityof engaging hooks 20 (e.g., three on each side of the first opposingwalls 12 in this embodiment) and engaging tabs 24, 26, and the femalefastening components may comprise a plurality of slots 21, 25, 27. Theengaging hooks 20 of the illustrated embodiment are located along twoopposing sides of the pair of first opposing walls 12. It iscontemplated that the engaging hooks 20 may also be provided along twosides of the pair of second opposing walls 14. The engaging hooks 20 areconfigured to be inserted and secured to matching slots 21 providedalong two opposing sides of the pair of second opposing walls 14. Otherengaging device configurations are also possible. More specifically,rather than an fastening hook, an engaging tab with a hole or a notchconfigured for the insertion of a locking pin to fasten the wallstogether may also be employed.

The slots 25, 27 located on the base 16 and top panel 18 are configuredto accept the corresponding engaging tabs 24, 26 of the pairs of firstand second of opposing walls 12, 14 (i.e., slot 25 is configured toaccept engaging tab 24 and slot 27 is configured to accept engaging tab26). In one exemplary embodiment, the slots 25, 27 and engaging tabs 24,26 are dimensioned such that the pairs of first and second opposingwalls 12, 14 may only be inserted in the correct position on the baseand/or top panel. For example, slot 25 and engaging tab 24 may be of alength that is longer than slot 27 and engaging tab 26 or visa versa.Similarly, slot 25 and engaging tab 24 may be of a width that is widerthan slot 27 and engaging tab 26 or visa versa. As is shown in FIG. 9A,the base 16 comprises support blocks 30 that provide additional supportfor the container, as well as depth for the slots 25, 27 to accept theengaging tabs 24, 26. The depth of the slots 25, 27 increases thestrength and rigidity of the container. In one exemplary embodiment,illustrated in FIG. 5, the support block 30 is configured to provide anopening 150 to allow a pin 160 to be inserted through the support block30, wherein the opening 150 is positioned corresponding to the slot 25on the base 16. In one exemplary embodiment, the engaging tabs 24, 26have a corresponding hole 152 such that a pin 160 may be inserted intothe opening 150 of the support block 30 and through the hole 152 of theengaging tab, thus securing the side wall 12, 14 to the base 16.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the base 16 may contain support blocks30 as described above. The support blocks 30 form gaps within the base16 in which a forklift, pallet-jack or other transporting device may beinserted to move the container 10 to a specific location. The supportblocks 30 also ensure that the container 10 is sufficiently raised fromthe ground to prevent water from entering the container 10. According tosome embodiments, freight securing mechanisms 28 may be providedthroughout the floor of the base 16. In FIG. 2, the exemplary freightsecuring mechanisms 28 are positioned along the perimeter of the floorof the base 16. The freight securing mechanisms 28 may be used to securefreight to the base and therefore container 10 by running a strap,bungee cord, rope, twine or other similar device under the latch or ringof the freight securing mechanisms 28 and around the freight (FIG. 9A).Many other freight securing mechanism configurations are possible.

Additional embodiments may comprise handles 22 that are located on eachwall of the container 22. These handles 22 may be attached to theopposing walls 12, 14. Or, according to other embodiments and asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the handles 22 may be recesses that areformed into the one or more of the opposing walls during the molding orformation of the opposing walls 12, 14. The handles 22 may be used tolift and carry the container 10 from one location or another. Thehandles 22 also aid in erecting and collapsing the container 10, as wellas assist in carrying and moving the opposing walls 12, 14.

In another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the sides and the baseare configured to be secured to each other. For example, as illustratedin FIG. 3, a strap 210 with a ratcheting mechanism (alternatively anelastic element) might be utilized and looped through an opening or ring212 on the side 12 and the base 16 and the strap 210 tightened to secureone or more of the sides 12 to the base 16 to minimize the chance of theside walls disengaging from the base. In another example, a spring clampcan be utilized. Alternatively, a cam-door lock or similar device couldbe utilized. In yet another example, illustrated in FIG. 5, a pin andclevis arrangement could be utilized, wherein the base and the sidewalls are configured to allow a pin 160 to be inserted an opening 150 onthe base 16 or alternatively on the support block 30 and through acorresponding opening 152 in the engaging tab 24 of the side wall 12,thereby minimizing the ability of the side wall 12 to become disengagedfrom the base 16. In another exemplary embodiment, the top panel mayalso be configured with one or more securing mechanisms to secure thetop panel to the side walls. In addition to minimizing the ability ofthe side walls to become disengaged from the base and/or top panel, thesecuring mechanisms also provide the ability to create a securecontainer for shipment needs which require such security (such as highvalue items, pharmaceuticals or confidential materials).

In another exemplary embodiment, the top panel comprises one or moreslots configured to engage one or more corresponding tabs of the sidewalls. In one further embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4, the tabs 24, 26of the side walls 12, 14 pass through the slots 25, 27 of the top panelwhen the top panel 18 is placed onto the side walls. The tabs 24, 26 canthen be secured to the top panel through a variety of securingmechanisms such as pin and clevis, straps, latch or clamps and the likein a similar manner as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 and as discussedabove. In yet a further embodiment, the support blocks 30 are configuredto allow a second container to be stacked on a first container. The tabsof the side walls are positioned such that the support block of a secondcontainer can be placed on top of the first container. In oneembodiment, the underneath portion of the support block has acorresponding slot to accept the engaging tab that extends through theslot of the top panel of the first container. This embodiment can alsohelp prevent the second container from sliding or slipping off the firstcontainer. In yet a further embodiment, the tabs of the firstcontainer's side walls can be secured to the support block utilizing asimilar opening and securing mechanism as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5.

As described above, the container 10 may be designed and dimensioned ina number of sizes that allow the container 10 to be integrated intomotor carrier operations. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, LTLoperations. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment that is dimensionedas a rectangular container that is taller than the square embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2 (e.g., 48″×48″×75″). As an example, this embodiment may beuseful for storing and/or transporting a refrigerator or other tallitems. According to the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the opposing sidewalls 12, 14 have four engaging hooks 20 and slots 21 along each side.FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate an embodiment in which the container 10 has ageometry suitable for storing and transporting large, oversized items(e.g., 48″×90″×55″). For example, this embodiment may be utilized totransport bicycles, four-wheelers, dressers, and other relatively longitems. The engaging tabs 24 a (FIG. 7A) and slots 25 a are relativelylonger than the engaging tabs 24 and slots 25 provided in theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIGS. 6A and 6B. Theincreased length of the engaging tabs 24 a and slots 25 a increase thestability of the container 10. Referring to FIG. 7C, the top of thecontainer 10 is composed of three top panel sections 18 a, 18 b, and 18c. The top panel sections comprise engaging slots 25 a and 27. The threesection embodiment allows for easy access to the container 10 as only asmall section needs to be removed to access items within the container10. Additionally, the three sections 18 a-18 c are easy for a singleperson to install and remove as the pieces are smaller and lighter thanone large top panel. According to one exemplary embodiment, the toppanel(s) may further comprise an interior engaging lip 29 b alongportions of the three sections 18 a-18 c to increase the stability ofthe container 10. Some embodiments comprising the three top sections 18a-18 c may employ a notch fit to assemble the top 18 onto the top of thecontainer 10. As illustrated in FIG. 7D, 18 b may comprise notch 52which is configured to rest upon corresponding notches 50 located on 18a and 18 b. In this manner, all three sections 18 a-18 c may be securelyattached to first and second opposing walls 12, 14. In anotherembodiment, top sections 18 a-18 c also comprise one or morecorresponding slots configured to engage the tabs of the side walls.

In one exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 8, one or more of theside walls comprise an access point 300 to allow visual inspectionand/or entry into the collapsible container when assembled. For example,in one embodiment, the access point comprises a door 300 configured toallow a visual inspection of one or more items placed in the container.In another embodiment, the access point comprises a larger door(s) whichallows the ability to load/unload items into/from the assembledcontainer. The access point in one exemplary embodiment comprises aroll-up door. The access point may also comprise a securing mechanismwhich can secure the access point from being opened. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the access point is transparent orsemi-transparent. [00421 FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate a method of erecting acollapsible container 10 according to one embodiment. Referringinitially to FIG. 9A, the base 16 is placed on level surface. Freightmay be placed on the base 16 at this time, or any other time in theassembly process. Next, a first opposing wall 12 (i.e., a wall havingmale engaging structures 20) may be lifted by the handles 22 (not shown)so that the engaging tabs 24 are aligned with the engaging slots 25. Thewall 12 and engaging tabs 24 are then pushed down into the engagingslots 25. This is repeated for the other second opposing wall 12.

Now referring to FIG. 9B, a second opposing wall 14 (i.e., a wall havingfemale engaging structures) may be lifted over the base 16 such that theengaging tabs 26 are aligned with the slots 27 on the base 16, and theengaging hooks 20 of the pair of first opposing walls 12 are alignedwith the slots 21 of the second opposing wall 14. After positioning thesecond opposing wall 14 into place, the wall 14 is then pushed down sothat the engaging tabs 26 enter the slots 27 and the engaging hooks 20of wall 12 grip and secure the wall 14. This is repeated for theremaining second opposing wall 14 having slots 21 such that all fouropposing walls 12, 14 are fitted and locked together to the base 16.

After the opposing walls 12, 14 are in place and the freight has beenloaded, the top panel 18 may be placed on the top portion of theopposing walls 12, 14 and fit into place, as illustrated in FIG. 9C. Inone embodiment, the top panel 18 comprises one or more correspondingslots 25, 27 configured to engage one or more tabs 24, 26 of theopposing walls. The container 10 is now fully assembled and ready forstorage and/or transport. According to some embodiments, a tarp 40 maybe fitted over the container to protect the container 10 from theelements, including wind, rain, frost, snow and sun, for example (FIG.9D). The tarp 40 may be secured to the container 10 by flaps 42. Theflaps 42 may be secured by attachments 44 a, 44 b which may be Velcro,or a loop in which a hook or a clip may use to engage attachment 44 a toattachment 44 b, for example. The container 10 may be collapsed byremoving the top panel 18, then removing the pair of second opposingwalls 14 and finally the pair of first opposing walls 12. The base 16,opposing walls 12, 14 and top panel 18 may then be stacked into acompact form for later use.

In one exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 10, the container 10further comprises one or more stability bars 85 which are configured tominimize inward and outward movement of the side walls 12, 14. Thestability bars 85 are connected to the side walls through a connectionmechanism 88 on the interior side of the at least one pair of opposingside walls 12, 14. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, variouslocations and connection mechanisms may be employed, including multiplestability bars in a container. In a further embodiment, the stabilitybars 85 can be utilized to secure and/or separate items within thecontainer 10.

Another exemplary embodiment of the container 10 is illustrated in FIG.11. The container 10 comprises a base 16, a pair of first opposing walls12, a pair of second opposing walls 12 and a top panel 18 that areconfigured to easily attach to one another to form the collapsiblecontainer 10 without the use of tools. The base 16 and the opposingwalls 12, 14 comprise engaging devices that are configured to interlockthe base 16 and the opposing walls 12, 14 to each other. According tothis particular embodiment, the engaging devices comprise a plurality ofmale fastening components (e.g., 20, 24 and 26) and a plurality offemale fastening components (e.g., 21, 25 and 27). More particularly,the male fastening components may include a plurality of engaging hooks20 (e.g., three on each side of the first opposing walls 12 in thisembodiment) and engaging tabs 24, 26, and the female fasteningcomponents may comprise a plurality of slots 21, 25, 27. The engaginghooks 20 of the illustrated embodiment are located along two opposingsides of the pair of first opposing walls 12. It is contemplated thatthe engaging hooks 20 may also be provided along two sides of the pairof second opposing walls 14. The engaging hooks 20 are configured to beinserted and secured to matching slots 21 provided along two opposingsides of the pair of second opposing walls 14. Other engaging deviceconfigurations are also possible. More specifically, rather than anfastening hook, an engaging tab with a hole or a notch configured forthe insertion of a locking pin to fasten the walls together may also beemployed.

In this particular embodiment, the slots 25, 27 located on the base 16are configured to accept the corresponding engaging tabs 24, 26 of thepairs of first and second of opposing walls 12, 14 (i.e., slot 25 isconfigured to accept engaging tab 24 and slot 27 is configured to acceptengaging tab 26). The slots 25, 27 and engaging tabs 24, 26 aredimensioned such that the pairs of first and second opposing walls 12,14 may only be inserted in the correct position on the base. Forexample, slot 25 and engaging tab 24 may be of a length that is longerthan slot 27 and engaging tab 26 or visa versa. Similarly, slot 25 andengaging tab 24 may be of a width that is wider than slot 27 andengaging tab 26 or visa versa. The base 16 may contain support blocks 30as described above. The support blocks 30 form gaps within the base 16in which a forklift or other transporting device may be inserted to movethe container 10 to a specific location. The support blocks 30 alsoensure that the container 10 is sufficiently raised from the ground toprevent water from entering the container 10. The top panel 18 of thecontainer 10 is dimensioned such that there is an overhang above eachopposing wall 12, 14. Under each overhang (i.e., around the perimeter ofthe underside of the top panel 18) is a vertical lip 29 that enfolds thewalls 12, 14 when the container 10 is assembled, as may be viewed in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. The vertical lip 29 therefore securesthe top panel 18 to the top portions of the walls 12, 14 and ultimately,the container 10. The exterior side of the top panel further comprisesone or more support block lips 94 which are configured to minimizemovement of a second container stacked on top of a first container. Thesupport block lips 94 are configured to minimize and/or prevent movementof the support blocks 30 of the second container. The support blockslips 94 can be an integral part of the top panel 18 or can be anoptional attachment that is secured to the top panel through knownattachment processes such as adhesives, screws, rivets, latches, etc.

The foregoing description of the various embodiments of the inventionhas been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. Itis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise steps and/or forms disclosed. Many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the aboveteaching. Moreover, although multiple inventive aspects have beenpresented, such aspects need not be utilized in combination, and variouscombinations of inventive aspects are possible in light of the variousembodiments provided above. Accordingly, the above description isintended to embrace all possible alternatives, modifications,combinations, and variations that have been discussed or suggestedherein, as well as all others that fall with the principles, spirit andbroad scope of the inventions as defined by the claims.

1. A collapsible container comprising: a base; a pair of first opposingwalls, each first opposing wall comprising a top edge, two side edgesand a bottom edge; a pair of second opposing walls, each second opposingwall comprising a top edge, two side edges and a bottom edge; a toppanel removably attached to the top edge of the pairs of first andsecond opposing walls; and a plurality of engaging devices positionedalong the perimeter of the base and top panel and along the two sideedges and top and bottom edges of the pairs of first and second opposingwalls; wherein: the plurality of engaging devices are configured toremovably connect the pair of first opposing walls to the pair of secondopposing walls and to removably connect the pairs of first and secondopposing walls to the base and to the top panel.
 2. A collapsiblecontainer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collapsible container isdimensioned to integrate into less than truck load operations.
 3. Acollapsible container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality ofengaging devices comprise a plurality of male fastening components and aplurality of female fastening components, the plurality of femalefastening components configured to accept the plurality of malefastening components.
 4. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 1,wherein the plurality of engaging devices comprise a plurality ofengaging tabs and a plurality of slots configured to accept the engagingtabs.
 5. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 1, wherein theplurality of engaging devices comprise: a plurality of engaging hookspositioned outwardly along the two side edges of the pair of firstopposing walls; a plurality of engaging tabs positioned outwardly alongthe top and bottom edges of the pairs of first and second opposingwalls; and a plurality of slots positioned along the two side edges ofthe pair of second opposing walls and the perimeter of the base and toppanel, the slots configured to accept the engaging hooks and theengaging tabs.
 6. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe base further comprises a plurality of support blocks spaced alongthe underside of the base such that a forklift may be used to lift thecollapsible container.
 7. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 1,wherein the base is configured to secure to at least one of the pairs ofthe first and second opposing walls.
 8. A collapsible container asclaimed in claim 7, wherein the base is secured to at least one of thepairs of the first and second opposing walls utilizing a latchingmechanism.
 9. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 7, wherein thebase is secured to at least one of the pairs of the first and secondopposing walls utilizing a tie-down mechanism.
 10. A collapsiblecontainer as claimed in claim 7, wherein the base is secured to at leastone of the pairs of the first and second opposing walls utilizing a pinand clevis mechanism.
 11. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 6,wherein at least one support block is configured to allow a pin to beinserted into the support block and wherein at least one of the engagingdevices along the bottom edges of the pairs of the first and secondopposing walls is configured to allow the pin to be inserted through theengaging device.
 12. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 1,wherein at least one of the pairs of first and second opposing wallscomprise an access point.
 13. A collapsible container as claimed inclaim 12, wherein the access point comprises a door.
 14. A collapsiblecontainer as claimed in claim 13, wherein the access point comprises anoverhead roll-up door.
 15. A collapsible container as claimed in claim12, wherein the access point is transparent or semi-transparent.
 16. Acollapsible container as claimed in claim 12, wherein the access pointcomprises a window.
 17. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 12,wherein the access point is configured to allow a user to load/unloaditems from the collapsible container.
 18. A collapsible container asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the collapsible container is dimensioned tofit in curtain side linehaul trailers and trailers with overhead roll-updoors.
 19. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 1, wherein thebase, the pairs of first and second opposing walls and the top panel aremade of a plastic material.
 20. A collapsible container as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the collapsible container further comprises a tarp. 21.A collapsible container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collapsiblecontainer further comprises at least one freight securing mechanismconfigured to secure items within the collapsible container to the base.22. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 21, wherein the freightsecuring mechanism comprises a tie down positioned on an interior faceof the base.
 23. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 21, whereinthe freight securing mechanism comprises a latch positioned on aninterior face of the base.
 24. A collapsible container as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the base, the pairs of first and second opposing walls,and the top panel are configured to be disassembled and stacked tominimize storage space of the collapsible container.
 25. A collapsiblecontainer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top panel further comprisesat least one vertical lip along the perimeter of an interior face of thetop panel.
 26. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 25, whereinthe top panel further comprises a first section, a second section and athird section.
 27. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 1,further comprising one or more stability bars, wherein the one or morestability bars are configured to extend between at least one pair of thefirst and/or second opposing walls, and wherein the stability bars areconfigured to secure to an interior of the at least one pair of thefirst and/or second opposing walls.
 28. A collapsible container asclaimed in claim 27, wherein the interior side of the at least one pairof the first and/or second opposing walls comprises one or more socketsconfigured to engage the one or more stability bars.
 29. A collapsiblecontainer comprising: a pair of first opposing walls, each firstopposing wall comprising: a top edge comprising a plurality of top malefastening components; a bottom edge comprising a plurality of bottommale fastening components; and two side edges comprising a plurality ofside male fastening components; a pair of second opposing walls, eachsecond opposing wall comprising: a top edge comprising a plurality oftop male fastening components; a bottom edge comprising a plurality ofbottom male fastening components; and two side edges comprising aplurality of side female fastening components configured to accept theplurality of side male fastening components; a base comprising aplurality of base female fastening components along a perimeter of thebase, the plurality of base female fastening components configured toaccept the plurality of bottom male fastening components of the pairs offirst and second opposing walls; and a top panel comprising a pluralityof top female fastening components along a perimeter of the top panel,the plurality of top female fastening components configured to acceptthe plurality of top male fastening components of the pairs of first andsecond opposing walls.
 30. A collapsible container as claimed in claim29, wherein when the collapsible container is in an erected position,the collapsible container is a receptacle dimensioned to integrate intoless than truck load operations.
 31. A collapsible container as claimedin claim 29, wherein the base, the pairs of first and second opposingwalls, and the top panel are configured to be stacked when thecollapsible container is in a collapsed position.
 32. A collapsiblecontainer comprising: a pair of first opposing walls, each firstopposing wall comprising: a plurality of engaging hooks positionedoutwardly along two opposing edges; a plurality of first engaging tabspositioned outwardly along two edges adjacent to the two opposing edges;and an exterior face comprising a graphic; a pair of second opposingwalls, each second opposing wall comprising: a plurality of slotspositioned along two opposing edges configured to accept the pluralityof engaging hooks of the pair of first opposing walls; a plurality ofsecond engaging tabs positioned outwardly along two edges adjacent tothe two opposing edges; and an exterior face comprising a graphic; abase comprising a plurality of base slots that are sized and positionedto accept the first and second engaging tabs of the respective pairs offirst and second opposing walls to form a receptacle; and a top panelcomprising a plurality of top slots that are sized and positioned toaccept the first and second engaging tabs of the respective pairs offirst and second opposing walls.
 33. A collapsible container as claimedin claim 32, wherein the collapsible container is dimensioned tointegrate into less than truck load operations.
 34. A collapsiblecontainer as claimed in claim 32, wherein in the length of the firstengaging tabs is different than the length of the second engaging tabs.35. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 32, wherein thecollapsible container further comprises a plurality of freight securingmechanisms.
 36. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 35, whereinthe plurality of freight securing mechanisms comprise tie downspositioned on an interior face of the base, the pairs of first andsecond opposing walls and the top panel.
 37. A collapsible container asclaimed in claim 35, wherein the plurality of freight securingmechanisms comprise latches positioned on an interior face of the base,the first and second pair of opposing walls and the top panel.
 38. Acollapsible container comprising: a base; a pair of first opposingwalls, each first opposing wall comprising a top edge, two side edgesand a bottom edge; a pair of second opposing walls, each second opposingwall comprising a top edge, two side edges and a bottom edge; a toppanel removably attached to the top edge of the pairs of first andsecond opposing walls; and a plurality of engaging devices positionedalong the perimeter of the base and along the two side edges and bottomedge of the pairs of first and second opposing walls; wherein: theplurality of engaging devices are configured to removably connect thepair of first opposing walls to the pair of second opposing walls and toremovably connect the pairs of first and second opposing walls to thebase; wherein the base further comprises a plurality of support blocksspaced along the underside of the base such that a forklift may be usedto lift the collapsible container; and wherein the top panel furthercomprises one or more support block lips configured to minimize movementof a second container stacked on top of the container and wherein thesupport block lips are dimensioned to engage corresponding supportblocks of a second container.